Peterborough man launching pond hockey apparel

Original Pond Gear available online starting Dec. 12

Peterborough Petes player Clark Seymour laces up his skates on Dec. 11 while sporting an Original Pond Gear ball cap and sweatshirt. The clothing brand is officially open for business online on Dec. 12

(PETERBOROUGH) Rob Carleton is hoping his new clothing brand will catch the eye of hockey lovers young and old.

The Peterborough man is officially launching the apparel company, Original Pond Gear, at midnight on Dec. 12.

To help get the word out about the clothes, Mr. Carleton is outfitting Peterborough Petes players with the pond hockey gear, which currently includes ball caps, T-shirts and sweatshirts. Eventually, he and his three other partners in the company are looking to introduce warm-up pants, a full pond-hockey suit, and womens' and childrens' clothing.

Mr. Carleton says it's his involvement in organizing an annual pond hockey tournament in Gravenhurst that inspired the brand. The tournament is one of many pond hockey competitions organized across North America each year, and now has 70 teams come out to play.

"That's where it all starts," he says from the Pete's dressing room. "On the pond. . . I thought this would be neat because no one has ever done it."

While the products are only available online now, the plan is to expand to retail once Mr. Carelton and his partners get a sense of what products people will want to buy.

The business will also hit the road and tour numerous pond hockey tournaments throughout the year to promote the brand.

"It's more than just cool stuff to wear," says Mr. Carleton. "This stuff is comfortable too."